
There are times that the presence of your feline friend can turn out to be problematic more than you can imagine. Have you been sneezing or sniffling in the presence of your cat? You are not alone in this; it is common to some and not all people.
How is this possible? Cats are generally the most common pets. Almost every household registers their presence. Does it mean every member of the family is prone to allergies from cats? Well, that is not the case. As you will learn along, only a small group is at the risk of the allergies.
This article is going to discuss 4 ways to keep cat allergies out of the house and ensure a smooth coexistence between you and your cat.
What is the Cause of the Cat Allergy?
There are lots of materials that cats release in the form of wastes. But one important one which is known to cause allergy in humans is the histamine which is released in the form of dander. If your immune system is weak, then your body is likely to react with this substance and the end result is an allergy.
The dander is always released through the cat’s skin. How then will you know when this waste is produced? Given that the cat has its entire body covered with hair, is there a possibility of noticing its production from the cat’s hair?
How do I stop this? I fear to be allergic. At the same time, I love this beautiful creature. How do I manage to balance the two? Losing my cat is not an option either. It is a confusing state of events that might discourage you from owning a cat or any other pet. That is why we decided to come up with effective 4 ways to keep cat allergies out of the house.
Symptoms of the Cat Allergy
Some of the most common symptoms of allergy caused by cats are:
· Stuffy nose
· Runny eyes
· Sneezing
· Itchy throat
Does it mean I can also be on the list yet am still not aware? Hell no! Let me believe I am still okay, but I will have to visit a doctor soon. I do not want to take the risk.
But I would rather put up with the allergens than let my cat go. To reduce the risk however, it is important to keep the house free from allergens as much as possible. So what are the prevention measures to consider?
You are in the right place. Stop the panic.
The 4 Ways to Keep Cat Allergies Out of the House
These are the four ways you can use to minimize cat allergies at home:
1. Reduce Contact with the cat
Avoid frequent holding of your cat; only hold the cat if it is very necessary for example when administering drugs. I know this seems like a punishment to you, but you really should put it into practice.
For the love of the cat, you can hold her occasionally so that she does not feel neglected. But remember to clean your hands after that since some allergens might remain on your hands. Warm water and soap should be nearby whenever you have the thought of stroking your best friend.
If your cat spent some time on your clothes, wash them as soon as possible to remove the dander left on them. My cat has a tendency of sleeping on any pile of clothes she comes across. To prevent the spread of the allergens simply wash them out.
In case you have a severe allergy then you can always avoid visiting households that have cats. Always ask this in advance and explain yourself out in a polite way. Ask them if it is possible to meet somewhere else. They could as well keep the cat in another room and ensure the entire room is vacuumed to make you comfortable.
That is what true friendship is about. Speak out; do not suffer in silence just to keep your friendship.
2. Having Clean Air at home
You might perhaps be wondering how this is even possible. We do not have control over the air we breathe. But we can always improve the quality of air at home. Regular cleaning of the house is such way of ensuring that the air you breathe is clean.
Having a cat at home must call for high-quality cleanliness. The hair that is left on the sofas, linens and such must be cleaned away so often. If your floor has a carpet, then ensure that your vacuum cleaner has HEPA filters.
HEPA filters in your house cooling and heating systems will also help you a great deal. This is probably considered as one of the most efficient ways of keeping allergens from the air. The filters collect airborne allergens thereby minimizing on cat allergies.
Having a HEPA air purifier in your cat’s room is also an alternative way of having your air as clean as possible. If you come across a vacuum cleaner that can clear cat dander and hair, then do not hesitate to take it home.
3. Dealing with the cat
Get your cat bathed at least on a weekly basis. It is something that I’m pretty sure she won’t like. Talk to her in the language you two understand and lure her into bathing. Do not do this if you are allergic. Besides, your cat needs to be clean and smart to command her comrades to obey her.
If you are staying alone, then you will have to look for a cat groomer to get the job done. The washing is done using shampoos that reduce allergens. After the bath, ensure the cat is properly groomed.
Actually, the cat should be groomed on a daily basis as this reduces on shedding. The best cat brush for shedding will help you in this area. Perform this job outside the house and make sure that the fur after every grooming is discarded.
Have cat-free zones in the areas that you spend most of your time. Your bedroom is one such area as you will be spending most of your time in there. This is one of the areas that must be comfortable and free from health hazards at all the times. Keep the doors to the places that you do not want to see your cat locked.
4. Medication
The doctor will prescribe dosages as per your case as exhibited by the symptoms. Antihistamines, decongestants, steroids and allergy-reducing injections are some of the things you can expect from a visit to a doctor.
Conclusion
Cat allergy does not affect anybody. Those with weak immune systems are more prone to it. So what should I do? Does it mean I should never own a cat? That is not the case. The 4 ways to keep cat allergies out of the house as discussed above will help the affected.
At the same time, those that might still be free from the cat allergy can find ways of keeping themselves safe. Homes without cats are not that lively. So have one but take the caution as your health is of utmost importance.
I hope you have learned something new. In case you need some clarifications, you can always reach me through the comment box below.

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